At Goal & Successfully Maintaining. So Why Am I Doing This All Over Again?
Options
Replies
-
springlering62 wrote: »quiksylver296 wrote: »springlering62 wrote: »NSV: BL and I can go down the stairs at the gym, side by side.
That’s pretty cool.
Grateful for the small things.
On that note, I was just having to travel for business this week, got plenty of compliments from remote coworkers I hadn't seen in a while, and overheard many folks complaining about fitting into airplane seats as well as a flight attendant spouting pseudoscience about needing to remove toxins to be healthier. Grateful for the health and knowledge this platform has supported over the years.
Ugh. I work with one of these. She's going to a naturopath (sp?) for her cervical cancer!!! Thankfully she is also going to an oncologist, but she trusts the naturopath more.
Thank heavens she has enough sense to continue the oncologist as her backup plan. Cancer fear does terrible things to peoples heads. I had a dear dear friend who would not utter the word, and would become really angry if others did in her presence. A motorcycle club pooled together to gift her a handmade wig, and showed up unexpectedly on their bikes to present her the certificate. After they left she cried with anger, and also guilt, over being angry.
On a happier note, yesterday BL and I went to a very nice local men’s boutique. I’ve never been in a place like this before. The owner had books of fabric, like an interior designer would, and was putting together outfits like a wizard.
BL wanted to leave, but I encouraged him to stay. He needed something for a wedding in a couple of months, and something quicker and stylish for family photos next week.
When the guy started fitting him, professionally, we found he’d dropped out of the 40’s waistline and into the 30’s. The clothes fit him like a dream, even before altering. He looked slender in them, and very classically stylish. Something clicked and after verifying they can take everything in even more when he loses more weight, he treated himself. I’d venture to say he spent more on himself in one blow than in the past ten years combined.
He even got cool leather tennis shoes that made him look like a teenage skater dude.
I sent pictures of him being fitted to the kids, and they immediately responded “Whoa!!!!” “Diddy lookin’ fly!” “You should get slim fit!”
I thought he’d kick and scream, but he ponied up, and told me “I deserve this” when we left. Darn tootin’ right!!!
He was as happy as I’ve ever seen him when we left, pleased how nice he’ll look in the family pictures, and how he can wear the beautiful sports coat to meetings.
He’s always been anti-fashion, bee-lining for sale or clearance only, as his wardrobe of faded neon clearance shirts will attest to. I always say I can find him in a crowd in those godawful shirts of his. The rest of his closet is Eddie Bauer polo shirts in Black blue or grey. That and a few jeans are the sum total of his wardrobe. I guess this is the male version of fat hiding tunics?
Now I’ll have to look for the best dressed man. Hoping he will treat himself to a new shirt there every two or three months and built up a small, choice wardrobe.
Maybe then I can get rid of some of the neon garb. 🫣
I love this!2 -
springlering62 wrote: »... polo shirts in Black blue or grey. That and a few jeans are the sum total of his wardrobe. I guess this is the male version of fat hiding tunics?
🫣
Ouch, shots fired. I have favored polos in white and marroon, too. Does that help my case?
On an unrelated note, the Mrs. and I impulse bought a dual basket air fryer that was on sale at Costco last week. Any favorite air fryer recipes from the group here?2 -
@steveko89
Plain unseasoned steak
Pork loin cut into steaks with a little plum chutney on top. Or teriyaki or a little marmalade whipped with Dijon and Italian herbs or herbes de provence
Chicken breast seasoned with just about anything. Buc’ees sells a really good seasoning, and Victoria Taylor slices has an absolutely killer honey Aleppo seasoning. You can find it at TJMaxx sometimes dirt cheap.
Any kind of frozen breaded fish stick becomes magic in an air fryer.
Coconut shrimp. Hmmmm we’re in the way to Trader Joe’s for shrimp burgers right now. Adding that to the menu.
Btw the shrimp burgers are fantastic and super low cal, even cooked with a little garlic and butter. I loved them. Husband was put off by the pollock mixed in. He thought it looked unappetizing. More for me. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I bet they’d be good in the air fryer, too.1 -
Thanks @springlering62 we'll have to try some of those. It's been a while since we hit up our Trader Joe's.
Some additional context for the purchase, my in-laws bought one a few weeks (months maybe?) ago and will not shut up about theirs. One evening last week I cut the grass, did not have dinner with the Mrs. and 3 y/o so by the time I showered and we got him to bed I was ravenous. We've been getting the "Air-fried" branded frozen Tyson chicken breasts for quick "break glass" sort of dinner option so I go to throw those in the oven and notice that the air fryer instructions for those are significantly shorter, which I noted outloud. The next day we get the Costco sale email and I see this Ninja air fryer for like $140 marked down from $250... while my wife is at Costco. The ensuing text exchange was comical as after I sent her the link Lauren replied "this is because the oven took longer last night, isn't it..." which was factually correct.11 -
Thanks @springlering62 we'll have to try some of those. It's been a while since we hit up our Trader Joe's.
Some additional context for the purchase, my in-laws bought one a few weeks (months maybe?) ago and will not shut up about theirs. One evening last week I cut the grass, did not have dinner with the Mrs. and 3 y/o so by the time I showered and we got him to bed I was ravenous. We've been getting the "Air-fried" branded frozen Tyson chicken breasts for quick "break glass" sort of dinner option so I go to throw those in the oven and notice that the air fryer instructions for those are significantly shorter, which I noted outloud. The next day we get the Costco sale email and I see this Ninja air fryer for like $140 marked down from $250... while my wife is at Costco. The ensuing text exchange was comical as after I sent her the link Lauren replied "this is because the oven took longer last night, isn't it..." which was factually correct.
The air fryer will change your life! I literally have not turned on my oven since Christmas.1 -
Longtime lurker here...I enjoy reading your updates. Kudos to BL for treating himself. There is nothing as sublime as a perfectly tailored suit/trousers/jacket. Congrats to both of you!3
-
@springlering62 That is so amazing for him! What a beautiful thing to help him feel good about himself and all his hard work.
My hubs has been growing more muscles all year, so now he’s having the issue where all his shirts are tight on his arms/shoulders and float around his midsection. His pants fit great around the waist and are getting tight on his thighs. I’m going to have to do some Christmas shopping for some nice athletic fit clothing for him.6 -
Hey! Just realized today is my four year MFP anniversary.
84 net pounds gone (97 was too, too much so I adjusted!), ten sizes lost, four wardrobes donated before settling in, one life preserver of extra skin (TMI?!), one case of GERD From Hell banished, over 9 million (😱) steps walked, acres of protein pancakes, mucho confidence boosted, two years of maintenance, and almost 5,500 posts with you good people.
You guys are the best!
I sincerely hope each of you find the support and motivation you need here to CHANGE YOUR LIFE!!!!!
23 -
You rock!4
-
Spring, you da woman. ❤️5
-
If I could do a back flip in honor of you I would. I guess I will have to settle for a summersault. Congrats!3
-
That just doesn't seem right!
I haven't even been as active as prior years - and it sure seems like more than 4 years of great advice and inspiration - and perspiration.
9 -
So cool! Happy MFPiversary!2
-
Greetings, everyone. I've been reading along since I (re) activated September 1, and have really benefited from both the information and the perspectives shared here. I am 68 with a big goal (my only child's wedding is next October; I counted down from 55 weeks.) I have lost an average of 2.3 pounds a week. As I end my 7th week, I wanted to share what has been most helpful.
iWatch on my wrist every damn day; every two weeks the goals increase a bit.
Pre-plan my week's food. I may change what I prefer to eat, or have something come up (lunch out) but I have a baseline map and have declared my intentions. Also, I altered my meals to reflect 4 smaller portions within my 8-hour window, with a trailing Snackies for the evening. I aim for 50 grams a day of carbs and 80-100 grams of protein.
Pre-plan my exercise and activities to make the iWatch happy. I have increased my daily steps from my initial goal of 5000, and this week I just bumped it to 8000.
Geared up for getting serious about this. I went to a walking/running shoe store and was assessed and fitted, including arch support inserts.
Rewards for achieving intermittent goals: a lightweight bag (convertible to backpack) for $55 from Cotopaxi; a massage
In addition to saying "Hello" to new routines, making sure to say "Goodbye" to old ones: building a visible donation pile of clothes that no longer fit me, and never will again
Cleaning out my refrigerator, freezer, and pantry and replacing with better alternatives.
Regarding those alternatives, rising to the challenge of finding those substitutions.
This is where I tell you, Spring, what an inspiration you've been in that regard! Today I discovered that when I have a sweet tooth (rare anymore, but still) that actually, all I really want is 2-3 spoonfuls of a taste. For example: 2 tablespoons of 0 sugar Dream Whip with a gram or two of Jello sugar free instant pudding mix, shaken through a strainer (like confectioners sugar, hah!) is perfect.
Anyway, thanks so much for this great thread!9 -
@momzilla11 Couldn't agree more about this thread, and wanted to say, you sound like you are doing really well at this! Oh, and see Q below!
@springlering62 been meaning to ask if yours and/or BL watch is misbehaving since an update a couple weeks back. Mines goofy as crap, either waaayyy over or waaayyy under, plus misreads that I'm doing something when I am not and opposite. Suspiciously started about when the 8 came out, now that I think of it, go figure.0 -
@momzilla11
Were we separated at birth? Yes, yes, yes!!!!! to everything you said. The shoes, the watch, preplanning, all of it!
What a great job you’re doing! I predict you’ll be looking great by wedding time, and hopefully feeling like a million bucks shedding the weight beforehand, too. For me, joint pain, GERD, gone or improved with loss.
@Sparkuvu i have not checked BL’s diary. He’s an adult man and has to cope while I’m gone. He’s been sending me pics of him taking the dog for walks at new places (ahem, Pokémon events. He’s a Level 45 for those of who can appreciate the dedication that took. 😱) He’s also kept his exercise schedule up because I can’t reach him when he’s in a class, so I think he’s fine.
Our daughter over here in Germany is also on MFP, but follows it very very loosely. She claims I’m bad for her because of the baked goods I’m downing, but I log them faithfully and am at or slightly under goal. I’m cutting back the slow drip of snacks while here to make room for the baked goods and so far it’s working well. I haven’t cut loose, although the temptation is darned sure there. (Looking at you, chocolate dipped hazelnut paste filled gingerbread slices.)
It’s been interesting watching her watch me on her home turf. I weigh and record everything, even coffee so she’s picking up on it. I doubt she’ll ever be an OCD weigher and logger like me, but she’s absorbing. It’s sure hard to cook and weigh, though, when your kitchen is the size of a 1960’s suburban closet. My hat is off to any European or New Yorker or Londoner with a tiny kitchen. It’s much harder work keeping that clean and functioning than a “regular” kitchen.5 -
Good morning! Having slept since I wrote, my note above, I woke up realizing what important stuff I'd omitted.
To your point, Spring, a kitchen scale is everything! It's our truest friend on this journey, speaking the truth we need to hear that only it can tell us. Logging calories in - yes, that's good - but ACCURATELY logging those calories in is where the magic happens.
As for calories out: well, all we know is that those numbers are mostly likely on the high side. So I pay most attention to steps, and minutes of exercise. Those are metrics unique to me, and ones I can track and compare.
That said, because I have never sought or enjoyed exercise, I've had to get creative.
I walk my dog along a what is normally a very crowded (visitors as well as locals) street of about 20 blocks of boutiques,pubs, bistros, cafes, pizza joints, bakeries, hand made ice cream, French pastries, bagels etc BUT we do this in the early morning hours before anything is open...it's an interesting peek at another side of all this activity with deliveries, sidewalk washing, window displays changing, etc). Then, if I need more steps in the evening to hit my goal, I'll take another walk at dusk when the lights are just twinkling on.
I've taken an introductory pickleball class and joined a community center ($11 a month) where I can play it on a drop-in basis, And I walk the 1.5 miles to get there and back. This game has a tradition of being welcoming to newcomers and inclusive for varying abilities.
I walk to the grocery store (3 within walking distance), and more frequently. Saturday mornings I take the streetcar to the farmer's market early, so I can chat with the vendors, sample things I won't buy
But the most important one, for me, has been to find a gym and trainer to help me learn what I can do independently, either at the gym or at home, to build functional fitness and improve my (terrible) balance and flexibility. These sessions, along with my shoes, is where I spend the money. It has added another layer of both weekly structure and accountability. And I've avoided what I dread: classes, groups, mirrors.
I've asked to have those "wrinkly but ropey" arms, hah! What I really want is to be able to give my son a wedding gift of knowing that his old mom is still in the game, improving and not declining - stronger, healthier, and more fit than ever!
Last, I wanted to add some context for anyone reading this who thinks I'm sailing through an easy time of it.
My right knee has had no cartilege/miniscus for 50 years, bone-on-bone since I was 18. Painful, stiff, squawky when provoked, swelling alleviated somewhat by alternating icing/heat at night. But mostly aches throughout the night.
A car accident 49 years ago left me with neck issues; stiff on a good day.
I've had "frozen shoulder" twice, almost 2 years each time. If you you don't know what this is, pray you never do.
My arthritis has progressed to the point where I've had to put down my knitting needles recently. Although, really, I should be using that time to move anyway.
My metabolism is sloth-like, since menopause. I have a very small frame at 5'5" and after three difference sustained periods of intense stress and trauma, I carry my weight in my abdomen, and not well. It's embarrassing to walk in to the gym.
I have no close friends nearby to join me in this project of mine, but that also means I am free of any drag effect from others who lack my focus and goals.
I'll leave you with one more "Spring" truism, because I experienced it for the first time this morning: swoops happen! Hoping for a 1-pound loss for my mid-week weigh-in, and instead saw a 3.8 loss. So, you just never know when all your effort will pay off on the scale. Or in life, really.
13 -
@springlering62 Didn't know you were gone, but was asking about Apple watch, if yours and BL are acting goofy since the last update.
@momzilla11 more good stuff! WTG!0 -
@Sparkuvu here but six hours (I think) earlier than usual.
The only odd thing I’ve noticed is I seem to have to work harder to advance my move rings, but I figured that was due to traveling somehow or not getting the housework etc steps in. I’ve been extremely active walking and biking, so I thought was a little odd. Been like that all week. Is that what you mean?
@momzilla11 the more you open your mouth, the more alike we are. We live in a touristy historical town, and I take the High Anxiety Dog to the Square early early, so he doesn’t eat any tourists. I enjoy getting out early and greeting the city workers as they do their thing. I get to walk to workouts, too. I never realized what a luxury walkability is.
The German town I’m visiting for the next few weeks has a very high bicycle usage %, with separate bike lanes and traffic signals just for bikes, and literally hundreds of bike/walk only paths, too. I kind of wish American city planners could be dumped here with a bike, and told to fend for themselves so they could take in how easy and convenient transportation is here.m and how it ought to be done.7 -
Bike path paralleling vehicle road. Red brick is for bikes and e-scooters, dark is for pedestrians. There’s bike paths on both sides of the roads so bikes can go in same direction of travel for vehicles and bike signals at every intersection. Cars have to wait for bike signals.
Typical bike/walking only path, between homes. There’s access to extensive path network every couple hundred feet or so.14
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.3K Introduce Yourself
- 43.4K Getting Started
- 259.6K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.3K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 387 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 152.7K Motivation and Support
- 7.8K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.2K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 3.2K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 911 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions